Replacing a kitchen sink can make your space look new and work better. But getting a new sink that fits just right is key. Can you just guess the size? No, you must measure carefully. This guide shows you how to measure for a kitchen sink replacement correctly. This helps you pick a sink that fits your countertop and cabinet base without problems. Getting the right kitchen sink dimensions is the first big step.
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Why Getting Measurements Right Matters
Choosing a new kitchen sink is fun. You look at styles, materials, and features. But if the sink doesn’t fit, you have a big problem.
A sink that is too big will not go into the hole. A sink that is too small leaves gaps. Gaps can let water in. Water can damage your countertop and cabinet.
Also, the new sink needs to fit with your faucet and other things like a garbage disposal. All these need space under the counter.
Accurate measuring stops problems. It saves you time and money. It means your new sink works well and looks good.
What Tools You Need
You do not need many tools. Simple ones will do.
Here is a list of what helps:
- A metal tape measure. Make sure it is long enough. Metal tapes stay straight. This helps with accuracy.
- Paper or a notebook. You need to write down numbers.
- A pen or pencil.
- Maybe a straight edge or ruler. This can help draw lines or check straightness.
- A flashlight. It helps you see under the sink in the cabinet.
- Someone to help you. Holding a tape measure alone can be tricky.
How to Measure Your Current Sink Area
You need two main sets of measurements. First, measure the old sink itself. Second, measure the hole in the countertop where the sink sits. Also, look at the cabinet below.
Measuring the Existing Sink
This step gives you the measure existing sink numbers. These numbers help you find a sink that is similar in size. It also helps you understand how the old sink fits the hole.
For most sinks, you measure length, width, and depth.
Length and Width of the Sink
Measure the sink from edge to edge.
For drop-in sinks, measure the full size including the rim that sits on the counter. This is the overall size.
For undermount sinks, you measure the sink bowl itself. The rim is hidden under the counter.
* Length: Measure the longest side. Go from the far left edge to the far right edge.
* Width: Measure the shorter side. Go from the front edge to the back edge.
Write these numbers down. Measure in inches and maybe centimeters. It is good to have both.
Measure twice to be sure.
Measure Kitchen Sink Depth
Depth is how deep the sink bowl is. This is important for washing large pots.
Measure from the bottom of the sink bowl straight up to the top edge or rim.
Do not measure to the drain. Measure to the very top edge of the sink.
For undermount sinks, measure from the bottom of the bowl to the top edge of the bowl.
For drop-in sinks, measure from the bottom of the bowl to the top of the rim.
Write this number down too. A deeper sink might need more space below.
Measuring the Hole in the Countertop
This is often called the sink opening size. It is the hole cut into your counter. This measurement is very important. The new sink must fit this hole.
Measure Sink Cutout
The hole size is different depending on your sink type. This measurement tells you the countertop hole size.
For Drop-in Sinks
Drop-in sinks have a rim that sits on top of the counter. The hole under the rim is smaller than the sink’s full size.
You need to measure the size of this hole.
* Measure the length of the hole at its longest point.
* Measure the width of the hole at its widest point.
It can be hard to measure the hole exactly with the old sink in place. You might measure from under the counter if you can see the edge of the hole.
Sometimes sink makers give a template for the cutout. If you know your old sink model, you might find its template size online. But measuring the actual hole is best if possible.
Measure carefully. The new sink’s hole size must match your counter hole size closely. The rim of the new sink must be big enough to cover the hole.
For Undermount Sinks
Undermount sinks sit under the counter. There is no rim on top of the counter. The edge of the counter goes right to the sink edge (or slightly over it).
The hole size here is the size of the opening you see when you look down into the sink.
* Measure the length of the opening in the counter.
* Measure the width of the opening in the counter.
This hole size is often very close to the size of the sink bowl itself for undermount sinks.
Measuring the hole for an undermount sink is often easier from above. Just measure the size of the opening through the counter material.
Be very precise with this measurement. It is key for getting the right replacement sink size.
Checking the Cabinet Below the Sink
The space inside the cabinet below the sink is also vital. The new sink must fit inside this cabinet space. This is called the sink base cabinet size.
Why Cabinet Size Matters
The sink bowl hangs down into the cabinet. Pipes, garbage disposal, and water filters are also in this space.
A new sink that is deeper or wider than the old one might not fit. It could hit the cabinet sides, the back wall, or the door frame.
You need to know the maximum size sink that can fit in the cabinet space.
Measure Sink Base Cabinet Size
Open the cabinet doors under the sink. Look inside.
* Measure the width: Measure the open space from inside wall to inside wall of the cabinet. Do this near the top, close to where the sink will be.
* Measure the depth: Measure from the front of the cabinet frame (behind the door) to the back wall.
* Check for obstructions: Look for pipes, braces, or parts of the cabinet frame that stick out. Measure how much space these take up. Note their position. The new sink must clear these things.
The new sink’s bowl dimensions (length, width, depth) must be smaller than the clear space inside the cabinet, allowing for pipes and other things.
Also, consider the cabinet door opening size. Can you even get a large sink into the cabinet space? Sometimes you need to remove the cabinet doors to get a sink in or out.
Grasping Measurements for Different Sink Types
Let’s look closer at measuring based on sink style.
How to Measure Drop-in Sink
Drop-in sinks are also called top-mount sinks. They drop into the hole from the top. Their edge, or rim, sits on the counter.
You need two sets of measurements for these:
1. Overall Sink Size: This is the total size including the rim. Measure the full length and width of the sink from outside edge to outside edge of the rim. This helps you find sinks of a similar total size.
2. Cutout Size: This is the size of the hole in the counter. Measure the length and width of this hole. The new sink’s required cutout size must match this hole. The new sink’s rim must be large enough to cover this hole all around.
- Measure overall length and width.
- Measure the cutout length and width.
- Measure the depth of the sink bowl.
- Measure the cabinet space below.
Measure Undermount Sink
Undermount sinks attach to the underside of the counter. The counter edge is exposed at the sink opening.
For these, you measure the size of the sink bowl itself. The rim is under the counter and is part of the mounting system.
1. Sink Bowl Size: Measure the length and width of the sink bowl from inner edge to inner edge. This is close to the sink opening size in the counter.
2. Cutout Size: Measure the length and width of the opening in the counter. This is the hole size. The new sink bowl must fit this hole. The edge of the sink bowl aligns with or is slightly under the counter edge.
3. Measure Kitchen Sink Depth: Measure the depth of the bowl from the bottom to the top edge of the bowl.
* Measure sink bowl length and width.
* Measure the cutout length and width (the counter opening).
* Measure the depth of the sink bowl.
* Measure the cabinet space below.
Undermount sinks sometimes need special support because they hang from the counter. Make sure your cabinet can handle the weight of the sink, water, and dishes.
Finding the Right Replacement Sink Size
Once you have all your measurements, you can look for a new sink. Your replacement sink size needs to work with your existing setup.
- Countertop Hole: The required cutout size of the new sink must fit the hole you have. Check the new sink’s specifications for its required cutout size.
- Cabinet Space: The bowl size and depth of the new sink must fit inside your cabinet base. Allow space for pipes and other things.
- Overall Size (for Drop-in): If you are replacing a drop-in, consider the overall size. A new drop-in sink with a much larger rim might not fit the space on your counter, especially if it’s near a backsplash or appliance.
Use your list of measurements:
- Old sink overall size (if drop-in)
- Old sink bowl size (if undermount, or inner size for drop-in)
- Old sink depth
- Countertop hole size (length and width)
- Cabinet interior size (width and depth)
- Location of pipes/obstructions
Compare these numbers to the specifications of the sinks you like.
Example: Choosing a Replacement Sink
Let’s say your countertop hole is 33 inches long and 22 inches wide.
Your cabinet is 35 inches wide inside and 24 inches deep.
Your old sink depth was 9 inches.
- If you want a drop-in sink: Look for sinks that require a cutout of about 33×22 inches. Check their overall size to make sure the rim fits your counter space. Check the bowl depth and width to ensure it fits in your 35×24 inch cabinet, leaving space for pipes. A new sink with a 10-inch depth might fit if your cabinet allows it.
- If you want an undermount sink: Look for sinks where the bowl size is slightly smaller than your 33×22 inch cutout, or where the manufacturer states it fits a 33×22 inch opening. Again, check the bowl depth and width against your cabinet space.
Sink specifications online or on the box will list the required cutout size and the sink’s overall dimensions.
Measuring Sinks with Multiple Bowls
Many kitchens have sinks with two bowls. Measuring these follows the same rules but with more numbers.
Measure Length and Width
Measure the total length and width of the entire sink, including the rim for drop-ins. This is the overall size.
Measure the total length and width of the cutout in the counter.
For undermounts, measure the total length and width of the combined bowls (the opening in the counter).
Measure Individual Bowl Sizes
You might want to know the size of each bowl.
* Measure the length and width of the inside of each bowl.
* Note the depth of each bowl. They might be different depths.
Check the Divider
Look at the divider between the bowls. Is it high or low? High dividers are common. Low dividers let you wash large items across both bowls. Consider if you want the same type or a different one. This doesn’t affect fit but affects how you use the sink.
When looking for a replacement for a multi-bowl sink, make sure the total size and the cutout size match. Also, check the dimensions of the individual bowls if their size is important to you.
Checking for Things in the Way
Before you decide on a new sink, look under the counter again. Make sure there is nothing that will stop the new sink from fitting.
Pipes and Plumbing
Sink drains and water lines take up space.
Where are the drain pipes? Do they go straight down or into the wall?
If your new sink bowl is deeper or shaped differently, will it hit the pipes?
Measure the location of pipes relative to the sink hole.
Garbage Disposal
If you have a garbage disposal, it hangs under one of the bowls.
A new sink bowl might be shaped differently. Will the disposal fit below it without hitting the cabinet floor or wall?
Measure the space needed for the disposal.
Other Items
Look for things like:
* Water filters
* Hot water dispensers
* Cabinet braces or supports
* The sink clips or mounting hardware locations
Make sure the new sink design and size allow space for all these necessary items under the counter. This is part of ensuring the sink base cabinet size is right for the new sink.
Being Accurate: Tips for Best Results
Measuring seems simple, but small errors can cause big problems.
- Use a Metal Tape Measure: Cloth tapes can stretch. Metal tapes are rigid and give a true reading.
- Measure Twice (or Three Times!): Don’t trust the first number you get. Measure the same thing again. If you get the same number, it’s likely correct.
- Get Help: Have someone hold the other end of the tape measure. This is especially helpful for long measurements or awkward spots.
- Write Down Numbers Clearly: Don’t rely on memory. Write down each measurement right away. Note what each number is for (e.g., “Cutout Length,” “Cabinet Depth”).
- Measure in Inches and Fractions: Use the smallest marks on your tape measure, like 1/8 or 1/16 of an inch. These small amounts can matter for fit.
- Check the Squareness: Are the corners of your cutout really 90 degrees? Sometimes older cuts are not perfect squares. Measure diagonally across the hole from corner to corner. Then measure the other diagonal. If the numbers are the same, the hole is square. If they are different, the hole is not square. You might need a sink with some wiggle room or adjust the hole.
Accurate measuring helps you find the right kitchen sink dimensions for your space.
Using Your Numbers to Shop
Now you have your critical numbers:
* Countertop cutout length and width
* Maximum sink depth that fits your cabinet
* Maximum sink bowl width and length that fits your cabinet (considering pipes/disposal)
* Desired features (single bowl, double bowl, drain location, faucet holes)
When you look at sinks online or in a store, find the “Specifications” or “Tech Specs” section.
Look for:
* Overall Dimensions: Total sink size (important for drop-in rim and overall fit).
* Bowl Dimensions: Size of the inside of the bowl(s).
* Required Cutout Size: The exact hole size needed in the countertop for that sink. This is crucial.
* Depth: How deep the bowl is.
Match your measurements to the sink specs.
The new sink’s required cutout must fit your existing hole size.
The new sink’s bowl depth must fit your cabinet space.
The new sink’s bowl width and length must fit inside your cabinet space, avoiding pipes.
Do not assume your counter hole is a standard size. Always measure your hole.
Common Mistakes People Make
Knowing these can help you avoid them.
- Not Measuring the Cutout: Only measuring the old sink size is not enough, especially for drop-ins. The hole size is different.
- Not Checking Cabinet Space: A sink might fit the counter hole but be too deep or wide for the cabinet below, hitting pipes or the cabinet walls.
- Measuring from Faucet Holes: Faucet holes are not part of the sink size measurement. They are separate.
- Not Measuring Depth Correctly: Measure depth from the very bottom of the bowl to the top edge.
- Forgetting About the Rim: For drop-in sinks, the overall size including the rim matters for counter space and finding sinks with the correct cutout.
- Assuming Standard Sizes: Kitchens are not always built with standard sizes. Always measure what you have.
- Using a Flexible Tape: This can lead to wrong numbers. Use a stiff metal tape.
- Not Writing Down Numbers: Trying to remember measurements is risky.
- Not Considering Faucet and Accessory Holes: Where are your faucet holes now? Is the new sink pre-drilled? Does it match? This affects installation but not the sink’s fit in the hole/cabinet.
Key Measurements Recap
Here are the most important numbers to get when you measure for a kitchen sink replacement:
- Countertop Cutout Length: Longest side of the hole in the counter.
- Countertop Cutout Width: Shorter side of the hole in the counter.
- Old Sink Overall Length: Total length including rim (drop-in).
- Old Sink Overall Width: Total width including rim (drop-in).
- Old Sink Bowl Length: Length of the bowl inside.
- Old Sink Bowl Width: Width of the bowl inside.
- Sink Depth: How deep the bowl is.
- Cabinet Inside Width: Side-to-side space inside the cabinet.
- Cabinet Inside Depth: Front-to-back space inside the cabinet.
- Obstruction Locations: Where pipes or other things are in the cabinet.
These numbers cover kitchen sink dimensions, measure sink cutout, replacement sink size, how to measure drop-in sink, measure undermount sink, sink opening size, measure existing sink, countertop hole size, and sink base cabinet size, and measure kitchen sink depth.
Table: What to Measure Based on Sink Type
| Measurement | Drop-in Sink | Undermount Sink | Why it matters |
|---|---|---|---|
| Old Sink Overall Size | YES | NO | Helps find similar sinks, checks rim space on counter |
| Old Sink Bowl Size | YES | YES | Helps find similar capacity, relates to cabinet fit |
| Sink Depth | YES | YES | Checks fit in cabinet below, bowl capacity |
| Countertop Cutout Size | YES | YES | CRITICAL for sink to fit in the hole |
| Cabinet Inside Size | YES | YES | Ensures the sink bowl fits inside the cabinet space |
| Obstruction Locations | YES | YES | Makes sure sink bowl clears pipes/disposal |
Interpreting Sink Specifications
When you look at a new sink online, you’ll see numbers like these:
* Overall Dimensions: 36″ L x 22″ W x 10″ D
* Bowl Dimensions: 34″ L x 18″ W x 10″ D (for single bowl) or 16″ L x 18″ W x 10″ D (for left bowl) + 15″ L x 16″ W x 8″ D (for right bowl)
* Required Cabinet Size: Minimum 36″ base cabinet
* Cutout Template: R 10 (meaning 10mm rounded corners – this is for the counter fabricator) OR explicitly lists cutout size, e.g., 35″ L x 21″ W
Match your measurements to the required measurements for the new sink.
Your countertop hole size (cutout you measured) must match the sink’s “Required Cutout Size”. If your hole is 35×21, you need a sink that needs a 35×21 cutout.
Your sink base cabinet size (inside measurement) must be large enough for the “Required Cabinet Size” or the sink’s bowl dimensions + space for pipes. If your cabinet is 36″ wide inside, a sink needing a 36″ base will likely fit width-wise. But check depth and height needed for the bowl and plumbing.
Manufacturers often list a “Minimum Cabinet Size.” This is a helpful guide but always double-check the actual bowl size and depth against your cabinet’s inside space and obstruction locations. A 36″ sink might fit in a 36″ cabinet width-wise, but if the cabinet is shallow front-to-back, a deep sink might not fit the depth.
Considering Faucet Holes and Configurations
While not about fit in the hole, faucet holes are part of the replacement process.
* Does your new sink have pre-drilled holes? How many?
* Does this match your faucet? (Single handle needs one hole, widespread might need three, etc.)
* Where are your current faucet holes? Are they in the sink or in the counter?
* If they are in the counter, you need a sink that works with that setup.
* If they are in the old sink, your new sink needs holes in the right spot or you might need to drill new holes in the counter (harder).
Plan for your faucet, soap dispenser, sprayer, and air gap (for dishwashers). Make sure your new sink or countertop has the needed holes.
Final Checks Before Buying
Before you click “buy” or drive home with a sink:
1. Review All Measurements: Look at your notes. Are they clear?
2. Compare Your Numbers to Sink Specs: Use the table or your list. Double-check the required cutout size.
3. Think About Installation: Can the sink physically be lowered into the hole? Can it be moved around in the cabinet space to connect pipes?
4. Check Return Policy: What if, despite your best efforts, the sink doesn’t fit? Know the store’s return rules.
Taking the time to measure for a kitchen sink replacement with care saves you headaches later. Getting the correct kitchen sink dimensions, especially the measure sink cutout and checking the sink base cabinet size, is the key to a smooth project.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the most important measurement?
The countertop hole size (or sink opening size / measure sink cutout) is often the most critical for fitting the sink into the counter. But you must also check that the sink bowl fits inside the sink base cabinet size below.
How do I measure a drop-in sink cutout if the sink is still in place?
This is tricky. You can try to measure the hole from underneath the counter. Or, if you know the sink model, look up its specifications online for the required cutout size. Measuring from underneath or finding the spec is usually needed unless you remove the old sink first.
Do I measure my old sink or the hole in the counter?
You need to measure both! Measure the measure existing sink dimensions (overall and bowl size) to help find a similar sink. But you MUST measure the countertop hole size (cutout) because the new sink’s required hole size must match yours.
What if my counter hole is not a perfect rectangle?
Older cutouts or custom ones might have rounded corners or be slightly off-square. Measure the longest and widest points. Check the diagonal measurements. Look for a new sink that is slightly smaller than your maximum dimensions or has a flexible rim/mounting system. Stone counters might need professional modification.
Can I put a larger sink in my existing counter hole?
Generally, no, not without changing the counter. A new sink needs a hole that matches its required cutout size. If you want a larger sink, you will likely need to cut your countertop hole bigger (possible with some materials, difficult with others like granite or quartz) or get new countertops.
How much space do I need in the cabinet for the sink?
Measure the inside width and depth of your sink base cabinet size. The new sink bowl must fit within these numbers. Also, allow several inches of clearance for pipes, the drain assembly, and the garbage disposal if you have one. Check the height from the cabinet floor to the underside of the counter for clearance.
How deep are most kitchen sinks?
Kitchen sinks vary in depth. Many standard sinks are around 7 to 9 inches deep. Deeper sinks, 10 inches or more, are popular for washing large pots but require enough space in the cabinet below (measure kitchen sink depth).
Do I need to measure the number of faucet holes?
Yes, you should note where your faucet holes are now (in the sink rim or in the counter) and how many there are. Your new sink or counter setup needs to match your faucet or the faucet you plan to buy. This affects installation, not just the sink’s fit in the hole.
Taking the time to measure right is the best way to ensure your kitchen sink replacement goes smoothly. Good luck with your project!